After reading that story, you might wonder why I called my oncologist/friend instead of my PCP. And you might wonder how I am friend with my oncologist. It's a great story... of acting in obedience; even though it might not be comfortable or make sense. About three years ago, I had a lab finding that necessitated surgical action. I was able to obtain a second opinion from a well-known oncologist. The consult was able to occur in a very timely fashion, because I have a friend who works at the cancer center.(!) The surgeon was knowledgeable, compassionate and took the time to listen to my questions and to answer them, ensuring that I understood what she was saying. As a clinical occupational therapist and an educator myself, I highly valued her time, her passion for my care and her concern that I would be able to make an informed decision. The day of my procedure came, my family and friends were praying for me and for God's hands to direct the surgeon's, and ultimately, for God's perfect will to be upheld. Everything went without incident and I was released to return home and recover for a few days. My surgeon left word that her office would call the next day, but that she would call me with the results in a few days. On Day 2, I awoke and read my devotional. As I was meditating on God's Word, I believe Him to speak to me, telling me that I should let my surgeon know that I perceived that God ministered to me through her hands; that He was using her and holds her in the palm of His hand as He does me.
I must confess, the thought of doing this was a bit overwhelming. Why? Because I knew nothing of this woman other than her surgical skill. God was asking me to 'cross a line' between professional and intensely personal. -A line of faith when she may not even be a believer. But I knew God's call to be true, and I knew that I had to obey, even though it meant moving me from my comfort zone to a realm of launching into the deep. And then I remembered how Jesus encouraged his disciples to do just that, cast their nets into a different place and thus reap the bounty of his blessings. And so I told my husband that I needed to speak with my oncologist that day and that if she did not call me by noon, I would be calling her.
The phone rang at 10:30; it was my surgeon calling me with the pathology report from the procedure. She explained everything, then asked me if I had any questions. I asked a few, she answered them, then asked if I had any more questions or concerns. I thought that my heart would burst, it was beating so hard. I caught my breath, in my mind I asked God to guide my words so that they would be His words, and I said, "I have no more questions but I do have something important to share. I know nothing about you or your personal beliefs, but I do know that I perceive the hand of God in this. I believe that He has ministered to me through you; that He has guided your hands and your ways and that He wants you to know this." I heard sobbing followed by one of the most beautiful and enriching conversations of blessing into each other's lives.
Obedience; even when it does not make sense; can lead to profound blessing.
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